Iraq Backs Barack, Despite Pullout Fears

Many alarmed by Obama's troop withdrawal timetable
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 17, 2008 3:41 AM CDT
Iraq Backs Barack, Despite Pullout Fears
Democratic presidential hopeful U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., delivers his policy speech on Iraq, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007, in Clinton, Iowa.    (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Barack Obama is widely popular in Iraq, despite deep concerns about his plans to withdraw American troops, reports the New York Times. Iraqis around the country expressed admiration for Obama and believe he would be a major improvement over President Bush—but also worry that his proposed 16-month withdrawal timetable could reverse hard-fought security gains.

"We would be very happy if he was elected president," said one Iraqi general, despite his reservations. “Any army would love to work without any help, but let me be honest: we don’t have that ability.” (More Barack Obama stories.)

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